A Night to Forget for RR
On April 13, 2025, Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium hosted a lop-sided IPL 2025 clash where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) thumped Rajasthan Royals (RR) by nine wickets in Match 28. Chasing 174, RCB cruised home in 17.3 overs, thanks to a blazing start from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli’s calm mastery. Let’s unpack the thrills and spills of this one-sided affair.
Match Snapshot:RCB’s Chase Was Pure Fire
RR, batting first after RCB’s Rajat Patidar chose to bowl, managed 173/4, leaning heavily on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s classy 75. But their late-order fizzle kept the total within reach. RCB’s reply was ruthless—Salt’s fireworks and Kohli’s finesse sealed the deal with 15 balls to spare.
Big Moments:
Jaiswal’s Lone Fight: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 75 off 47 kept RR afloat, but Riyan Parag (30) and Dhruv Jurel (35) couldn’t kick on.
Salt’s Rampage: Phil Salt smashed 40 off 20 in the powerplay, peppering boundaries and sixes like it was a video game.
Kohli’s Milestone: Virat Kohli’s 62 off 45, his 100th T20 fifty, anchored RCB’s chase with Devdutt Padikkal (29*) playing second fiddle.
Stars of the Show
Phil Salt (RCB) – Match-WinnerSalt’s 65 off 33, with four sixes, was electric. His 28-ball fifty tore RR’s bowlers apart, earning him the Player of the Match nod.
Virat Kohli (RCB)
Kohli’s 62 was vintage—steady yet stylish. His 100th T20 fifty powered RCB’s 130+ opening stand with Salt, sealing the rout.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)
Jaiswal’s 75 was a gem, but with little backup, RR’s innings felt like a solo act on a tough night.
Game-Changers
Toss Call: RCB’s decision to bowl paid off, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal keeping RR’s middle order quiet.
Salt’s Blitz: His powerplay onslaught left RR rattled, setting an unassailable pace.
RR’s Sloppy Field: Dropped catches let RCB’s openers settle, making the chase a breeze.
Points Table Shake-Up
RCB’s fourth win in six games lifted them to third with a +0.539 NRR, while Kohli joined the top-five run-getters. RR, now 1-4, slid to seventh with a -0.838 NRR, their playoff path looking shaky.
What’s Next?
RR must fix their batting wobbles and sharpen their bowling to bounce back at home. RCB, riding high, need to keep their spinners ready for trickier pitches. This win proves they’re playoff material, but consistency is key.
Final Thoughts
Match 28 was RCB’s night to shine—Salt’s aggression and Kohli’s class made RR’s total look puny. As IPL 2025 rolls on, RCB’s form is a warning to rivals.
